Cathode R&D Technician

Redwood Materials is seeking an R&D Technician to join our Cathode R&D – Cell Engineering Team. In this role, you will run and execute experiments in the lab to gain better understanding of rheological and electrochemical properties of cathode active materials.

Responsibilities will include:

• Prepare cathode slurry and measure its rheological properties such as viscosity and hegman unit.
• Understanding the electrode coating requirements for energy vs power cell, coating cathode slurry, and calendaring electrodes to achieve required density.
• Fabricating different cell formats such as coin and pouch li-ion cell.
• Performing electrochemical characterization on li-ion cells by designing battery testing protocols and conducting the test.
• Monitor and analyze the electrochemical test data to understand performance of cathode active materials.
• Conduct post-mortem analysis on li-ion cells to achieve better understanding of degradation mechanism of cathode active materials.
• Preparing documentations such as SOP’s for newly developed processes in the lab.
• Performing periodic maintenance and repairs on assigned equipment in the lab.

Desired Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering. Candidates with other degrees can be considered given experience similar to job responsibilities.
• Demonstrated basic knowledge of math, chemistry and/or computer skills appropriate to the assignment.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry and/or li-ion battery or other technology is preferred.
• Work/research experience with different battery chemistries.
• Hands-on experience with powder processing, electrode slurry and calendaring, coin/pouch cell fabrication, and battery testing.
• Knowledge of different analytical tools for battery materials characterization.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• General know-how of lab scale equipment used for battery manufacturing.
• Strong ability to follow detailed technical instructions and operating procedures.
• A passion for sustainability and making the world a better place!

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work hands on the lab, including standing and operating equipment at a lab bench.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: office and laboratory. Might be required to visit pilot manufacturing facility.
• Exposures encountered: hazardous materials, electrical hazards.
• Essential physical requirements: working hands-on in a research lab setting.
• Travel required as needed, less than 10%.